While Leicester City's focus on pre-season preparation and this Saturday's Premier League Asia Trophy final against Liverpool, the transfer window remains the talking point.

Riyad Mahrez , star of the show in the shoot-out success against West Brom, remains a target for Roma, whose boss, Eusebio di Francesco, says the Algerian "has the characteristics" to fill their vacant slot on the right wing.

Now, Tottenham's interest appears to have been reignited with reports suggesting Spurs have asked to be kept updated on any developments regarding the Algerian's future.

Meanwhile, reports suggest City have had a £1m bid rejected for Sheffield Wednesday and England under-20s starlet George Hirst as they look to bolster their squad at under-23 level.

Ndidi's bathroom scales

Erm, the City players and staff are an around-the-world holding a table tennis tournament at the hotel in Hong Kong.

Of course, there aren’t enough rackets to accommodate everyone, so they have to be inventive. Some people use flip-flops, Wilfred Ndidi is using bathroom scales.

16:54

Defrel joins Roma

Remember Gregoire Defrel, the Sassuolo striker consistently linked to City despite no interest in him?

He’s moved to Roma, who have parodied Southampton’s parody of signing announcement videos.

16:44

Three trialists in victorious under-19 side

City under-19s are in Prague for the Generali Cee Cup, described as “one of the largest youth tournaments in central and eastern Europe”.

They’ve taken a 1-0 victory from their first game this afternoon against Slovenia’s FC Nitra, captain George Heaven scoring the goal in the 13th minute after an almighty mistake from the Nitra goalkeeper. Heaven was later sent off.

There were three trialists in the team. Tyrese Shade, whose trial was announced by his club Solihull Moors last week, played in midfield, while PSG starlet Alasanne Meite started in attack.

James hoping to cement place

The midfielder has not started a competitive game for City since May 2015 due to injury, but, backed by Craig Shakespeare who gave him the captain’s armband, James was one of City’s top performers in his 45 minutes on the pitch against the Baggies.

“I thought every single player did really well,” said James.

“It is always nice to play in a final and be involved in games like that, but more importantly it is to get the physical stats up, to get as much running and distance, get your sharpness up and get a feel for the ball. I am looking forward to the final.”

Matty James clashes with West Brom's Jay Rodriguez at the Hong Kong Stadium (Image: Getty Images)

Spurs 'monitoring' Mahrez situation

Spurs have been mentioned previously as possible contenders for the Algerian’s signature, but have never appeared to have the same level of interest as Roma or Arsenal.

Now, the Evening Standard are reporting that Tottenham have ‘asked to be kept informed’ of Mahrez’s situation, though ‘would not enter the race seriously’ unless City reduced their £50m asking price.

Riyad Mahrez at the Hong Kong Stadium (Image: Plumb Images)

12:01

City the away side v Liverpool in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Stadium is a neutral venue for the four sides involved in the Premier League Asia Trophy, but it won’t feel that way for City on Saturday.

In his diary of his second day in Hong Kong, the Mercury’s Rob Tanner talks of the swell of support for Liverpool in the city, with Leicester’s reputation, despite their recent Premier League triumph, lagging behind.

Plan A, B or C - Iborra's your man

Craig Shakespeare wants his side to be adaptable this season and says new signing Vicente Iborra is key in helping City achieve that.

The Spaniard can play any role in midfield and as a makeshift centre-back or target man and Shakespeare reckons he’ll be key if City need to switch to plan B or C.

“The signing of Vicente Iborra gives us the adaptability and I think you’ve got to be adaptable going forward – you can’t be one-dimensional,” said Shakespeare.

“We talk about a plan A – you’ve got to have a plan B and plan C now for the Premier League. I think as a coach and a manager that’s vitally important.”

Vicente Iborra challenges Nacer Chadli during the Premier League Asia Trophy match between Leicester City and West Brom (Image: Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

11:07KEY EVENT

Bid rejected for starlet Hirst - reports

Talking of Sheffield Wednesday, the Daily Mail report that City have had a £1m bid rejected for Owls starlet George Hirst.

If you’re old enough to be able to cast your mind back to the early ‘90s, you may remember England international David Hirst. Well, his son George is following in his footsteps at Hillsborough and is the next big thing in Sheffield.

Hirst Jr has only made two senior appearances for the Owls, but the 18-year-old striker has pedigree and was joint top scorer with City’s Harvey Barnes at the Toulon Tournament this summer.

George Hirst was top scorer for England at the Toulon Tournament (Image: Tony Marshall - The FA/Getty Images)

10:36

Under-23s return to winning ways

City’s under-23s were back in form on Wednesday, beating their Sheffield Wednesday counterparts 3-1 in a behind-closed-doors match.

Steve Beaglehole’s youngsters lost 3-1 to Leamington last Friday, but were back on top at Belvoir Drive thanks to a brace from midfielder Dylan Watts, plus a late goal from substitute Josh Gordon.

Steve Beaglehole's side have won two of their three pre-season games (Image: Getty)